1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2005 Honda Accord
To start off, 2005 Honda Accord is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda Accord (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (114 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 570 kg more than 2005 Honda Accord.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Honda Accord, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2005 Honda Accord (347 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | 2005 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Honda |
| Model | S | Accord |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 2204 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 347 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2215 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2630 mm |
